Many tourists say that autumn is the best time to travel to Japan. It is usually considered gray and rainy, but Japanese autumn is an unusual combination of beautiful red maple and mild weather. Autumn in Japan shines with hundreds of colors, and millions of Japanese are eager to make their way to the other end of the country to enjoy the beautiful views.
Yellow, orange, red, brown… In fact, saffron, gold, cinnamon, copper, brown tea, orange, honey and dozens of shades of these colors are present in Japanese autumn colors.
Autumn in Japan
Japan, which is usually associated with a giant metropolis and modernity, is also a country of unique nature. More than 70% of Japan's surface is mountainous and overgrown with forests. Conifers, pines, firs and cypresses dominate the island of Hokkaido and the central hills of Honshu. But even their deep green blends with all the purples of Japanese red maples in autumn, as well as beeches, oaks and birches. Nature has very generously rewarded Japan. Red maples in autumn and otherstreasures worth admiring: high mountains, glacial valleys, fast-flowing clear rivers with numerous waterfalls and caves, hot springs and beautiful beaches.
Japan weather in autumn
Hot summer gives way to autumn (September - November) with fresh wind and pleasant air temperature (18°C). The forests are covered with colored leaves, and chrysanthemums bloom in parks and gardens. Early autumn (September) is the main typhoon season, which usually lasts for more than one day.
The sun is almost always shining at this time, encouraging long hikes through the colorful hills. To see a real "autumn explosion", it is best to visit the Land of the Rising Sun in November.
Autumn in Japan is a very good time to visit historical sites, national holidays and natural landscapes.
Mount Fuji in a sea of autumn leaves
Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture is one of the famous five great lakes surrounding Mount Fuji. During November, the shores of the lake are covered with red and golden leaves. At this time, the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Folk Festival is held here. A place worth visiting is the 150-meter "tunnel" that stretches along the northern shore of the lake.
Mount Fuji, radiant with purple colors this time of year, is considered one of the most beautiful autumn views in Japan. Autumn photos with a landscape against the backdrop of a mountain will become unforgettable.
Jidai Matsuri - historical Japan in a nutshell
Jidai matsuri- one of the most famous and popular Japanese autumn festivals, held annually in Kyoto on October 22. This is a parade of people in Japanese historical costumes from early times to the Meiji era.
About 2 thousand people take part in it, which takes about five hours, and the column stretches for about 2 km. Participants often carry historical weapons and other items from the ancient era.
Bridge to the Moon
Kyoto is the most visited city, especially tourists try to get there in autumn. After all, it is famous for its beautiful views. The Arashiyama area attracts many visitors who want to enjoy close contact with nature.
The famous Togetsu-kyo Bridge (155 meters) connects the banks of the Oikawa River. Its name means "bridge that passes by the moon". It was given by Emperor Kameyama. He noticed that at night the moon, moving across the sky, seemed to be passing through a bridge. The view of the calm flowing river and the yellow and red leaves in the background create a breathtaking view.
Autumn scenery and soothing Yokoya Valley hot springs
The Yokoya Valley is located in Nagano Prefecture. Here you can walk while admiring the beautiful scenery. By the end of October, the valley is dominated by bright red leaves on the trees, making it one of the most popular autumn walks in eastern Japan.
Four waterfalls can be seen along the route, and then continue the journey towards the mountains. After the walk, you should take a dip in the hot springs.
Castle in the Clouds Echizen Ono
The castle is located in downtown Ono, in Fukui Prefecture. According to legend, it was built by order of Kanamori Nagachaika from 30,000 stones donated by Oda Nobunaga. Construction lasted 5 years. In 1775, the castle was burned down, and now you can admire it in its restored form in 1968. Surrounded by mountains and located at an altitude of more than 249 meters above sea level, Echizen Castle attracts attention, and in recent years has become known as the "castle among the clouds." The best views open in October and November.
Suspension bridge over the emerald lake in the Sumata-Kyo valley
Sumata-Kyo Valley, located in central Shizuoka Prefecture, is famous for its scenic Oigawa and Sumatagawa rivers. At the confluence of two rivers over an artificial lake, there is a "suspension bridge of dreams." According to rumors, love confessions said on the bridge always find an answer. Because of the beautiful contrast of red maple leaves in autumn in Japan and the emerald water of the lake, this place is very popular for autumn walks.
Japanese seasonal delicacies
The Japanese are known for their love of seasonal products, which is why many fruits, vegetables or fish have become symbols of a particular season. In autumn, it is primarily the fruits of persimmon (Shonai khaki). In addition, during this period, when traveling around Japan, it is worth trying apples, Japanese nihonnashi pears and tangerines.
Japanese autumn is primarily associated with the "new rice" - fresh rice. This year's rice is said to be whiter, tenderer and softer than last year's "old" rice.
Worth in autumntry grilled saury (Cololabis saira) with soy sauce - a species of carnivorous marine fish of the Scomberesocidae family, called the Japanese Samma. This is one of the dishes without which there is no autumn in Japan.
Carpet of red lilies in Kinchakude
Kinchakuda Park is located in the western part of Hidaka City (Saitama Prefecture), surrounded by the Koma River. Every year from September to October, the riverbank is covered with a carpet of more than 5 million red spider lilies (lycoris). During the blooming season, the park hosts a lily festival, which attracts many tourists who come here to admire the plants.
Watching lilies under calming water flows is one of the reasons to visit autumn in Japan.
City-go-san
The holiday is celebrated on November 15, during which parents ask the deity to take care of their children. It involves girls from three to seven years old, as well as three- and five-year-old boys. Children dress up in beautiful kimonos.
The age of children is associated with ancient rites:
- children went with shaved heads until they were three years old - only then they were allowed to grow their hair;
- 5 year old boys wearing hakama for the first time;
- Seven-year-old girls were allowed to change the narrow strap they used to tie their kimono with an adult traditional obi.
If you think of Japan only as the "land of cherry blossoms" and there is no way to visit it in the spring, you should reconsider your vacation plans. Japan is also beautiful in autumn - from September to November. This season is especiallyrecommended for visiting the country and not only for the pleasant temperatures and generally good weather, but also for contemplating the beautiful atmosphere of colorful autumn maple leaves.
